Hydrothermal analysis of aquifer thermal energy storage

Thesis/Dissertation · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6134051

Buscheck, T A

This study examines the hydrothermal behavior of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems by emphasizing the manner in which energy recovery is affected. Of particular interest are ATES systems in which: (1) a single injection/production well may be analyzed by assuming radial symmetry, (2) the aquifer is in thermal and hydraulic communication with its confining aquitards, and (3) thermal front tilting is allowed to occur. Full well penetration is emphasized, but partial penetration during injection and/or production is also considered. Because the coupled processes of heat and momentum transport in porous media are complex, the analysis is assisted by the use of the numerical simulator PT(CCC) which is based on the integrated Finite Difference Method (IFDM). The fundamental motivation behind considering the concept of ATES is that it has the potential for buffering seasonal (as well as daily) mismatches between periods of thermal energy supply and demand. Confined aquifers are promising candidates for storing large quantities of hot or chilled water by virtue of their: (1) large volumetric capacity, (2) low thermal conductivity, (3) remoteness from steep thermal gradients, and (4) widespread availability.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Berkeley (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6134051
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250600* -- Energy Storage-- Thermal
520500 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUIFERS
ENERGY RECOVERY
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENERGY TRANSFER
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
MOMENTUM TRANSFER
RECOVERY